Flower Season Southern Oregon Style

OK, it isn't the flowers of the Columbia Gorge, but it is as close as we come down here at the low end of the state. The wind was blowing like the Gorge, however.

I have some issues with the image, but it is one of the better hill/flower/late light shots from down here that I have managed. Some things that are problematic for me are the featureless sky, the overpowering sun (necessary for backlighting however), the best compositions didn't have many flowers in the FG and it was too windy to get real close to anything in the FG. So what's to like? I think the overall quality of light is pleasing and there are enough landmarks in the photo that it will have local appeal to folks familiar with the hills and valleys to the east of Ashland.

So I guess I kind of just gave my own critique there, but I'm always appreciative of feedback from others as well.

I certainly agree that the light quality is very nice but I personally don't think the sun is overpowering and I do think that the sky is fine; there are some clouds on the right and it is not a dominant part of your comp so it doesn't matter anyway. Nice stuff.

You certainly captured this well with what you had. The fields lead to the valley and the valley to the sun, very nicely composed. :)

Damn Sean, this is beautiful, I especially like the long shadows along the purple flowers on the left.

David M. Cobb

Oh yeah, definitely a keeper, the light makes it. How did you control sun/exposure, do you use one of the reverse ND grads?

Btw, saw your POTD today on BP.com, congrats there too!

You're critique reminds me of the scene in Liar Liar where Jim Carey beats himself up . Your points are well taken, but this is still a great shot!! The light, color, and depth work well. I too like a little off the right (and a touch off the bottom) to focus on the best parts.

I think the lighting and composition in this one are great...sure we all strive to get the most breathtaking sunsets and it would have been nice with a few more flowers in the foreground but you made the best of what you had to work with and it turned out great. The sky is simple and does not distract the viewer and steal all the attention so that they can focus more on all those interesting foreground details.

Much appreciated comments folks! Paul - no filters used here. I seem to always just add flare issues to my photos when I add filters while shooting into the sun. Instead I went the time intensive route of blending five different exposures, two for the FG, one for the valley area and two for the sky. The FG exposures are shot with my hand in front of the sun to keep the flare out. It is time consuming and doesn't always work out, but it seems like I get my best results this way.

I went back to the same spot last night and did get some interesting sunset action, so we'll see if that enabled me to improve on this effort.

I like the shot very much, Sean, and am not wanting to be as critical of it as you are. I'll be interested to see what you consider a better effort.

As you mentioned, the sky is a weakness. Nevertheless, I really like this Sean.
You have great lighting. I love the gnarled trees on the right side.

Sean, I'll be in Oregon the week of June 8 -14. Are there any wildflower locations that
you would recommend? Are the wildflowers in the Columbia River Gorge past peak?
Thank you.